Location Template
Use this template when creating a new location file at worldbuilding/locations/{location-name-kebab}.md.
---
name: "{Location Name}"
type: "{location-type, e.g. city, district, wilderness, submerged-ruin}"
region: "{Parent Region}"
population: {number or estimate}
controlled-by: {character-kebab or faction}
notable-characters:
- {character-kebab}
tags:
- {tag-1}
- {tag-2}
status: "{location-status, e.g. thriving, declining, strained, exposed, unknown}"
pronunciation: "{optional, e.g. KEL-ah-mar}"
setting: {interior|exterior|both}
routes:
- to: {location-kebab}
hours: {travel time as a number}
mode: "{on foot|horse|coach|boat|train|...}"
---pronunciation, setting, and routes are optional. setting must be interior, exterior, or both; it gives the INT., EXT., or INT./EXT. of screenplay scene headings in story build --format fountain. A route is two-way unless the other location declares its own; story continuity checks dated scenes against its hours. See maps-and-routes.md.
type and status are free-form descriptive strings, not a closed set. Use the validator truth: any kebab-case or plain value passes story validate. Match existing example usage where it fits (e.g. city, district, wilderness, submerged-ruin for type; thriving, declining, strained, exposed, unknown for status).
Description
What the location looks, sounds, smells, and feels like. First impressions for someone arriving. Key sensory details that make it distinct.
History
How the location came to be and key events that happened here. Only include history relevant to the story.
Culture & Customs
The people who live here, their way of life, traditions, social norms. What makes this place culturally distinct.
Notable Features
Specific landmarks, buildings, natural features, or points of interest within the location. Things characters would interact with.
Current State
What the location is like at the time of the story. Political situation, recent events, tensions, opportunities.